Schwarzenegger: Digital textbooks can save money, improve learning
“Today, our kids get their information from the internet, downloaded onto their iPods, and in Twitter feeds to their cell phones. A world of up-to-date information fits easily into their pockets and onto their computer screens,” writes California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in an op-ed piece for the San Jose Mercury News — “so why are California’s public school students still forced to lug around antiquated, heavy, expensive textbooks?”
Slanderous site catering to teens is shut down
A web site that catered to anonymous slander and insults by and about teenagers — and was especially popular in Montgomery County, Md., high schools — was closed down June 8 by its web hosting company, reports the Washington Post.
U.S. parents rearing a gadget-laden generation
Research released June 9 indicates that U.S. parents are rearing a young gadget-laden generation that is at home with smart phones, laptop computers, and video game consoles, AFP reports.
Ed-tech leaders brace for smaller budgets
The majority of ed-tech leaders said they expect their school technology budgets for the 2009-10 school year to decrease at least somewhat, if not substantially, despite available funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), according to a survey on school technology use and purchasing.
Key words: education technology purchasing, education purchasing, K-12 technology trends
Educators mull Apple’s latest announcements
During Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, Calif., earlier this week, Apple announced price reductions and new versions of its iPhone smart phone and MacBook Pro laptops, as well as an updated version of its Macintosh operating system–leading educators to ponder the significance of these announcements for schools.
Key words: Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Snow Leopard, iPhone, education, technology
Rolling science labs bring tools, inspiration to youngsters
Boston University Medical School’s Carl Franzblau wanted to expose more young people to science, and he had a vision inspired by a bloodmobile. The result — mobile science laboratories that bring science education to students — is expanding across the country, USA Today reports.
District cancels graduation after computer breach
District administrators in Centerburg, Ohio, canceled their June 6 high school graduation ceremony because of a breach in the school’s computer system that allowed a student to make copies of a test, 10TV.com reports.
Wis. schools to get tech vouchers from Microsoft
Wisconsin education officials say more than 850 schools are in line for up to $80 million in technology reimbursements from Microsoft Corp., reports the Chicago Tribune.
Japan tests cell phones to stop pandemics
An experiment in using technology to help stop the spread of pandemics is about to begin in Japan, and its results could have implications for U.S. schools as well. Key words: Japanese schools, virus outbreak, swine flu, cell phone, education, technology
Syracuse, IBM collaborate on green data center
Syracuse University and IBM Corp. are building a new self-powered, energy-efficient computer data center that officials hope will become a model of green technology and help American schools and businesses save billions of dollars. Key words: Syracuse University, IBM Corp., green technology, energy efficiency, education, technology